At heart climber rued the way it would soak through (5)

I believe the answer is:

imbue

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'soak through' is the definition.
'imbue' can be an answer for 'soak' (synonyms). I am not sure about the 'through' bit.

I can't explain the rest of the clue.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for imbue that I've seen before include "Tinge deeply" , "Endow" , "dye" , "Fill with, infuse" , "Fill (with a particular feeling)" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Times.

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